Birds in and Around Macfast Campus, Thiruvalla, Kerala

Avifaunal diversity of MACFAST campus and adjoining areas were carried out during March 2016 to June 2017. Ponds, grasslands, rooftops of buildings, play ground and paddy fields were the major microhabitat s of the study area. Birds were observed using Bushnell binocular (10 x 50), spotting scope (10x45x) and identified using physical features with the help of field guides and referenc e books. A total of 88 species from 12 orders and 3 8 families were recorded during the study and among these, Passerif ormes and Pelicaniformes, dominated the list with 31 and 14 species, respectively. Three species of Near Threatened categ ory (Mycteria leucocephala, Anhinga melanogaster, Th reskiornis melanocephalus) and Ciconia episcopus from Vulnerab le category were also recorded. Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora, Lesser coucal Centropus bengalensis, Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobin us, Baillon's Crake Zapornia pusilla, White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis , Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica and Ind ian Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise were the i mportant sightings, during the survey . The presence of indigenous fruiting trees along with large trees as roosting s ites, attract more birds to the campus.